Page 103 of Fey Empire

Time slows. I see the water arch in the air. I see Dyfri turn away from it. I see the clear droplets splash on his arm and shoulder.

I see steam rise. I hear a hissing noise. I smell burning flesh.

Dyfri drops to his knees, clutching his arm. He bows his head.

The gong sounds.

Dyfri remains frozen in silent agony. Steam is still rising from his arm. He is not attacking.

The crowd are murmuring and whispering. Words and snippets reach my ears. Shock, glee and scandal. And fear. Dyfri’s unseelie blood is thicker than the darkest whispers ever claimed. And he has been living amongst them.

Selwyn's hand tightens on mine. Hard enough to bruise. I don't mind at all.

The gong sounds.

Dyfri was unable to take his turn. The crowd erupts. Loud noise, swirling motion as everyone turns to exclaim to their neighbour.

The duel is over. Dyfri has lost.

Mother grins and steps forward. The crowd falls instantly silent and still once more. Nobody wants to miss the cruelest part. The bit the fey have all been eagerly waiting for.

"Shall I cut your hair and make you a resyn?" my mother purrs. "No, I think you would enjoy being unseen."

She pauses dramatically, and the crowd waits with bated breath. Hanging on her every word.

"Shall I banish you?" She smirks at her audience, lapping up the attention.

Dyfri is still on his knees, clutching his arm to his chest. His long dark hair is concealing his face.

"No, I think you would find that a freedom."

She stalks up to Dyfri and begins to slowly walk around him. Circling her prey.

"Such a shame I can't unbind your hair," she croons.

My stomach heaves. I'm going to be sick.

Mother pauses behind Dyfri's back. She taps her finger against her lips as if thinking hard. As if she hasn't planned all of this.

"I know!" she declares. "I shall be lenient and take only a forfeit."

A wave of eager whispers fills the great hall.

Mother holds up her hand. Silence falls. She is utterly in control of everything.

"You shall be a rhocyn of old once more. The new law no longer applies to you. Nobody need ask your permission. You must warm the bed of anyone who wants you."

The crowd goes wild.

I bury my face against Selwyn's chest. He puts his arm around me and holds me tight.

This is the worst day of all time.

Chapter thirty-six

As I approach Dyfri’s door, I see Jamie sitting in the hallway with his back against the wall. There is no shadow man guarding the entrance, but it is perfectly clear that we are still not permitted entry.

Jamie looks tired. There are dark circles under his eyes. I think he has been here all night.